The Cité de l'Océan is a must-see in Biarritz. Here you can discover the marine environment, how it works, its inhabitants and its secrets. We'll guide you through the Cité de l'Océan in Biarritz.
To book: Take advantage of our partner's rates and book your ticket your ticket for the Cité de l'Océan in Biarritz.
What is the Cité de l'Océan in Biarritz?
The Cité de l'Océan is a space dedicated to the ocean in Biarritz. It is housed in a wave-shaped building designed by American architect Steven Holl. It's not an aquarium, but rather a place to learn more about the Big Blue. The Cité de l'Océan complements the Biarritz aquarium to form the Biarritz Océan complex.
Inside, you'll find exhibits devoted to a variety of themes, from how the ocean works to its role in evolution, but this is not a museum - it's a space that uses modern technology to help you discover the Big Blue. Visiting the Cité de l'Océan in Biarritz also means viewing fascinating projections, diving in virtual reality into a Polynesian shark reserve, or even trying your hand at 5D surfing!
How do you organize your visit? What are the not-to-be-missed highlights?
Visiting the Cité de l'Océan in Biarritz is very intuitive and requires no special organization. However, you can ask for a site map on site. All activities are accessible to all, with the exception of the virtual reality activities, which are open to visitors aged 6 and over, and the Seaborg activity, which is similar to an amusement park ride and therefore requires a minimum height of 142 cm. Here are the must-sees when visiting the Cité de l'Océan in Biarritz.
700 sharks in the night
Physically, you'll be comfortably ensconced in an armchair with a pair of virtual reality goggles, but mentally, you'll leave the Pyrénées-Atlantiques and be plunged into an environment of Polynesian atolls, in the depths of which hundreds of grey sharks swim. This pack of 700 specimens is the largest in the world. Beneath the water's surface, you'll follow the strokes of a real biologist who has blended in with them.
Virtual Surf and Surf Sensation 5D
Virtual Surf is one of the most legendary attractions for visitors to Biarritz's Cité de l'Océan. It's a simulation game in which you surf the world's most mythical waves using virtual reality goggles. Even if you've never surfed before, you'll learn how to position your feet on the board to tame the rollers of Spain, the Basque country and beyond.
Seaborg
Let the tentacle of this sea monster grab you and shake you in all directions! Climb up a mechanical arm and find yourself upside down, losing all your bearings in virtual reality.
Virtual Trip
Take a virtual reality plunge into the depths, and meet the animals that inhabit the ocean. You'll swim with turtles, dolphins and stingrays.
Experience Belharra
The Basque coast is swept by a mythical wave, the dream of every surfer: Belharra. This wave, which is the highest in France (10 to 20 meters), is dangerous, as it used to engulf entire ships, and few surfers have ever managed to tame it on their boards. However, two real surfers have done just that, filmed with a 360° camera, so you can relive their sensations here in virtual reality.
Film screenings
A visit to Biarritz's Cité de l'Océan includes a screening in one of its cinemas, whether classic, in 3D, or even with 4D special effects. You'll be able to watch documentaries about the ocean, such as one on whales or another on the biodiversity of the Breton seabed, as well as more immersive screenings that are sure to give you a thrill, ideal for a family outing.
Exhibitions
The Cité de l'Océan also offers a range of permanent and temporary exhibitions, covering topics such as the ocean's influence on climate, the history of surfing, polar exploration and much more.
What are the fees and opening times?
Here are the different rates for visiting the Cité de l'Océan in Biarritz:
- Full price adults: €14, or €26 for a combined ticket with the aquarium.
- Children aged 6 to 12: €10, or €18 for a combined ticket with the aquarium.
- Teenagers aged 13 to 17, students or job-seekers: €12, or €22 for a combined ticket with the aquarium.
- Large families with card: -1 € per admission.
- Disabled persons: €2 per admission.
Opening times vary according to the season. Cité de l'Océan is open from 2 pm to 7 pm in low season, from 10 am to 7 pm in mid season, and from 9 am to 8 pm in high season.
To book: Take advantage of our partner's rates and book your ticket your ticket for the Cité de l'Océan in Biarritz.
Where can I buy tickets for the Cité de l'Océan in Biarritz?
You can buy your tickets on site or on the official online ticketing service. In busy periods, buying directly online can help you avoid the queues on site.
How do I get to the Cité de l'Océan in Biarritz?
The Cité de l'Océan is located at 1 avenue de la Plage in Biarritz. You can get there by car and park in the parking lot near the building. Bus routes 38 and 44 of the TxikTxak network also serve the site from Biarritz, Bayonne, Anglet or Bidart. So you can visit Biarritz and the Basque Country by public transport.
How long does it take to visit the site?
Allow 2 to 3 hours to visit the Cité de l'Océan in Biarritz. You can combine this with a visit to Biarritz, a city where life is good, all in the same day.
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